Toy vehicle loop

ABSTRACT

A loop segment for a toy vehicle track set is disclosed. The loop segment comprises a first end, a second end, and a vertically-oriented loop structure between the first end and second end. The first end and second end are positioned such that a directional path of entry into the first end forms a straight line that is aligned with a directional path of exit out of the second end. The loop structure is positioned at an angular offset from the straight line formed by the first end and second end.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to track sets for toy vehicles, and in particular, curved and looped structures used therein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Toy vehicles have long been enjoyed by people of all ages. Their enjoyment and play value have been enhanced with the creation of track sets that allow the toy vehicles to travel across different raceway layouts. Along with the different raceway layouts, the track sets may also include various features, obstacles, and interactive elements. One popular track set feature is a vertically-oriented loop that a toy vehicle can travel along in apparent defiance of gravity.

Traditional vertically-oriented loops typically involve a loop structure having an inlet and outlet that results in a shift or offset in the general pathway of the toy vehicle track set. A toy vehicle would enter and exit the loop through respective entrance and exit pathways that are offset from each other. However, offset entrance and exit pathways create a restriction to the positioning and/or order of the loop in a raceway layout. In instances where a raceway is constructed by coupling multiple interchangeable track segments together, the offset entrance and exit pathways make it difficult to switch the loop segment with other track segments that do not have offset inlets and outlets, such as a straight track segment. Consequently, the amount of raceway configurations available to a track set with interchangeable track segments becomes limited.

Thus, there is a need for a vertically-oriented loop having in-line or collinear entrance and exit pathways. Further, there is a need for a loop segment that can be easily interchanged with other track segments to form a variety of raceway layouts.

In addition, conventional loops for toy vehicle track sets are formed of one or more track pieces, each of which has a surface on which toy vehicles can travel. The vehicle surface of each track piece is flat or horizontal from one side of the track piece across the vehicle surface to the other side of the track piece. Many conventional toy vehicles have a front portion that extends a certain distance in front of one or more front wheels on the toy vehicles. When the front portion of a toy vehicle extends too far in front of the front wheel or wheels, the vehicle front portion contacts or engages the vehicle surface of the loop as the toy vehicle travels around the loop.

Thus, there is a need for a different profile of a vehicle surface for track pieces in a loop to minimize the interference between the front of a toy vehicle and the vehicle surface of a loop. Further, there is a need for a track piece that has a vehicle surface profile that is curved so that clearance is provided for toy vehicles traveling along the loop.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A loop segment for a toy vehicle track set is disclosed herein. According to one aspect of the present invention, a loop segment for a toy vehicle track set comprises a first end, a second end, and a vertically-oriented loop structure between the first end and second end. The first end and second end are positioned such that a directional path of entry into the first end forms a straight line that is aligned with a directional path of exit out of the second end. The loop structure is positioned at an angular offset from the straight line formed by the first end and second end.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a loop segment for a toy vehicle track set comprises a helical structure having a first end and a second end. The first end includes a straight entry portion and the second end includes a straight exit portion. The entry and exit portions of the loop segment collectively define a straight toy vehicle pathway and the helical structure defines a helical pathway angularly offset from the straight toy vehicle pathway.

Typically, the first end and second end of the loop segment are curved. The loop segment also includes raised edges along the loop or helical structure, entry portion, and/or exit portion. In one or more embodiments, the loop or helical structure comprises a single loop. In other embodiments, the loop or helical structure comprises two or more loops. In further embodiments, the loop or helical structure has a concave inner surface. The entry portion and exit portion may have a substantially flat inner surface. In some instances, an inclined ramp is further coupled to the first end or entry portion such that it is collinear with the straight line formed by the first and second ends or in-line with the straight toy vehicle pathway.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a toy vehicle track segment is disclosed comprising a base and a track section connected to the base. The track section has a first end defining a first toy vehicle pathway, a second end defining a second toy vehicle pathway, and a connecting track portion between the first end and the second end. The first toy vehicle pathway and the second toy vehicle pathway are collinear and the connecting track portion defines a connecting toy vehicle pathway offset from the collinear first and second toy vehicle pathways.

In one or more embodiments, the connecting track portion comprises a single loop. In other embodiments, the connecting track portion comprises two or more loops. Typically, the loop segment includes raised edges along the track section. In further embodiments, the connecting track portion has a concave inner surface. The first and second ends may have a substantially flat inner surface. In some instances, an inclined ramp is further coupled to the first end such that it is collinear with the first and second toy vehicle pathways.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, a loop segment for a toy vehicle track set includes a base; and one or more track pieces coupled to the base to form a loop structure, each track piece having a curved inner surface along which a toy vehicle can travel. In one implementation, each of the one or more track pieces includes a first side and a second side between which the curved inner surface extends, and the curved inner surface has a concave configuration or profile between the first side and the second side. In another implementation, each of the one or more track pieces has a concave profile. In yet another implementation, each of the one or more track pieces has a curved outer surface.

In another implementation of this embodiment of the invention, the one or more track pieces includes a first track piece and a second track piece, each of the first track piece and the second track piece being coupled to the base, and each of the first track piece and the second track piece having a curved inner surface.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. It is to be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating some embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration and not limitation. Many changes and modifications within the scope of the invention may be made without departing from the spirit thereof, and the present invention includes all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout:

FIG. 1 illustrates a loop segment for a toy vehicle track set, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 2A-B illustrate a front perspective view (FIG. 2A) and a side perspective view (FIG. 2B) of a loop segment for a toy vehicle track set, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 3A-B illustrate a toy vehicle with a planar front lip (FIG. 3A) and a toy vehicle with a raised or upwardly angled front lip (FIG. 3B), in accordance with another embodiment of the invention; and

FIGS. 4A-C illustrate cross-sectional views of a track section with a substantially flat inner surface (FIG. 4A), a track section with a concave inner surface (FIG. 4B), and a track section with a partially curved inner surface (FIG. 4C), in accordance with other embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of a loop having a curved surface in accordance with other embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 5B illustrates an end view of the loop illustrated in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C illustrates a close-up view of a portion of the loop illustrated in FIG. 5B.

FIG. 5D illustrates a cross-sectional view of part of the loop illustrated in FIG. 5A taken along line 5D-5D.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A loop segment for a toy vehicle track set according to the present invention comprises in-line/collinear inlets and outlets. This configuration allows a toy vehicle to enter and exit the loop through respective entrance and exit pathways that are collinear with each other. With track sets that have interchangeable track segments, the loop segment can be easily interchanged with other track segments with in-line inlets and outlets (e.g., straight track, ramp) so that a variety of raceway layouts may be constructed. Though the loop segments are described and illustrated herein as separate interchangeable sections, the loop segment may also be formed as part of a longer track section or complete raceway.

FIG. 1 provides an illustrative embodiment of a loop segment 100 for a toy vehicle track set. The loop segment 100 incorporates a generally vertically-oriented helical or loop structure 102. As shown, the loop structure 102 comprises a single loop, but in other embodiments, the loop structure may comprise two or more loops. The loop segment 100 has a first end 104 and a second end 106 opposite the first end 104. A toy vehicle enters the loop segment 100 via the first end 104 through a directional path of entry 108 and exits the loop segment 100 via the second end 106 through a directional path of exit 110. The first end 104 includes an entry portion 112 and the second end 106 includes an exit portion 114. The entry portion 112 and exit portion 114 are the straight portions of the first end 104 and second end 106, respectively.

Though portions of the first end 104 and second end 106 are curved to accommodate the positioning of the loop structure 102, the directional path of entry 108 for entering the loop segment 100 along the entry portion 112 and the directional path of exit 110 for exiting the loop segment 100 along the exit portion 114 are both straight. Furthermore, the first end 104 and second end 106 are positioned such that the directional path of entry 108 forms a straight line A with the directional path of exit 110. The entry portion 112 and exit portion 114 of the loop segment 100 also collectively define a straight overall toy vehicle pathway through the loop segment 100. Thus, a toy vehicle passing through the loop segment 100 continues to travel in the same direction and pathway (i.e., in-line) as when it initially entered the loop segment 100.

The loop structure 102 of the loop segment 100 is positioned at an angular offset from the straight line A. In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a toy vehicle initially enters and travels through the loop segment along the straight line A. The toy vehicle then curves slightly to the right as it follows the pathway of the loop structure 102, which is at an angle relative to the straight line A. After successfully performing a loop along the loop structure 102, the toy vehicle then leaves the loop structure 102 and curves slightly to the left to return to the same straight line A and exit the loop segment 100. This configuration is in contrast to traditional loop structures where a toy vehicle enters the loop straight, performs a loop, and exits the loop straight but offset from the initial vehicle pathway by approximately one car width (for a single loop/helical curve).

The loop segment 100 may be coupled with other track segments (e.g., straight track, curve, ramp) or components (e.g., vehicle launcher, finish line) to form a longer raceway for toy vehicles. As shown in FIG. 1, the loop segment 100 has a coupling portion or first track connector 116 at the first end 104 and a second track connector 118 at the second end 106. Each of the track connectors 116, 118 may be any shape suitable for facilitating selective end-to-end coupling of the loop segment 100 to another track segment or a component. For example, the track connector may be configured as tongue-and-groove friction-fit connectors or snap-together nesting tabs. Here, the track connectors 116, 118 are positioned to engage with a corresponding hole or depression on a connecting track segment. In certain instances, the track connectors 116, 118 may include electrical wires/connections that allow data and/or power to pass through the loop segment 100 to other track segments or components that are coupled to the loop segment 100.

In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the loop segment 100 is further structured to have rotational symmetry. In other words, the loop segment 100 retains the same shape/configuration when rotated 180 degrees. Thus, the loop segment 100 may be oriented such that a toy vehicle enters the first end 104 or second end 106 and exits the second end 106 or first end 104, respectively. In both orientations, the toy vehicle travels along the same pathway through the loop segment 100. In other embodiments, the loop segment does not have rotational symmetry even though the inlet and outlet are in-line/collinear (see, e.g., FIG. 2A).

In some embodiments, the loop segment 100 may be configured with two or more lanes for multiple toy vehicles to race together simultaneously. The loop segment 100 may include a plurality of upstanding parallel ribs that define the plurality of lanes.

FIGS. 2A-B provide another embodiment of a loop segment. As shown in FIG. 2A, the loop segment 200 has a base 202 and a track section 204 connected to the base 202. The base 202 provides the support necessary for the loop or helical curve portion of the loop segment 200 to stably maintain a vertical orientation. The track section 204 has a first end 206 defining a first toy vehicle pathway 208 and a second end 210 defining a second toy vehicle pathway 212. The first toy vehicle pathway 208 and the second toy vehicle pathway 212 are collinear (represented by a straight line B passing through the first end 206 and the second end 210). A connecting track portion 214 is located between the first end 206 and the second end 210. The connecting track portion 214 is a loop or helical curve that further defines a connecting toy vehicle pathway offset from the collinear first and second toy vehicle pathways 208, 212. The directional pathway of a toy vehicle traveling through the connecting track portion 214 is represented as line C, which is offset at an angle to line B.

An upwardly angled or inclined ramp 216 is further connected to the first end 206 (see, e.g., FIG. 2B). In this instance, the pathway of a toy vehicle traveling on the inclined ramp 216 is aligned with the first and second toy vehicle pathways 208, 212. A toy vehicle traveling at a sufficient speed on the inclined ramp 216 would be able to launch off the inclined ramp 216, fly through the middle of the loop or helical curve of the connecting track portion 214, and land on a part of the track after the loop. In one embodiment, this configuration creates an additional challenge and play pattern for a toy vehicle traveling along a track set or raceway comprising the loop segment 200.

The loop segment 200 includes raised edges 218 along the track section 204. The raised edges 218 help keep a toy vehicle from flying off the track section 204 as the toy vehicle travels along the loop segment 200 (see also the raised edge 418 in FIG. 4A). The height of the raised edges 218 may be higher or lower depending on various factors such as the speed of the toy vehicle and the extent of the curvatures in the loop segment. In some embodiments, different portions of the track section 204 have different raised edge heights. For example, since it is easier for a toy vehicle to fly off while traveling through the twisting helical configuration of the connecting track portion 214, the raised edges 218 along the connecting tracking portion 214 may be higher than the raised edges along the rest of the track section 204.

FIG. 3A shows a side view of a typical embodiment of a toy vehicle 310 traveling on a track 300 with a substantially flat inner surface 302 (see also FIG. 4A which shows a toy vehicle 410 traveling on a track 400 having a substantially flat inner surface 402). The toy vehicle 310 has a front edge or lip 312 that is generally coplanar with the rest of the base or chassis 304 of the toy vehicle 310. In such a configuration, the front edge or lip 312 of the toy vehicle 310 may come into contact with the track 300 as it curves up along a loop or helical structure portion of a loop segment. However, even intermittent contact of the front lip 312 with the track 300 can impact the speed of the toy vehicle 310, which may consequently affect the toy vehicle's ability to successfully perform a loop.

As shown in FIG. 3B, one solution for minimizing the contact is to provide a toy vehicle 306 with a front edge or lip 308 that is angled upwards and not in the plane of the bottom of the chassis 304. The front lip 308 of the toy vehicle 306 is raised or upwardly angled in a position that avoids contact with the inner surface 302 of the track 300 as the toy vehicle 306 curves up along a loop or helical structure portion of the loop segment.

However, in some instances, angling the front edge or lip of the toy vehicle may not be possible. Thus, another solution is to provide a curved inner track surface that avoids contact with the front lip of a toy vehicle as the toy vehicle curves up along a loop or helical structure portion of the loop segment. The configuration of the inner surface is curved so that toy vehicles that do not have angled upward front edges or lips can travel on a loop just as well. In embodiments where the inner surface of the track is curved, toy vehicles with a raised or upwardly angled front lip can also travel on the same track. Furthermore, the curved inner track surface may be implemented in loop segments having aligned/collinear inlets and outlets, as well as loop segments having offset inlets and outlets.

FIG. 4B shows a cross-section of a track 404 with a concave inner surface 406. In this illustrative configuration, even though the toy vehicle 410 does not have a raised front lip 412, the inner track surface 406 has a curvature that sufficiently avoids contact with the front lip 412 as the toy vehicle 410 moves along the loop segment. Furthermore, only the edges 408 of the wheels of the toy vehicle 410 contact the track 404, which reduces the amount of friction generated between the wheels and the track 404. This helps minimize speed reduction of the toy vehicle 410 as it travels along the track segment.

FIG. 4C shows another illustrative configuration of a track 414 with a curved inner surface 416. The inner surface 416 has a partial curvature that also avoids contact with the front lip 412 of the toy vehicle 410. In contrast to the track configuration shown in FIG. 4B, the flat outer edges of the inner track surface 416 in FIG. 4C allow a greater surface area of the toy vehicle's wheels to roll on the inner track surface 416.

FIG. 5A illustrates an embodiment of a loop segment 500 for a toy vehicle track set. The loop segment 500 incorporates a loop structure 502 that is different from the loop structure 102 of loop segment 100 discussed earlier in this application. The loop segment 500 includes a first end 504 and a second end 506 opposite the first end 504. A toy vehicle enters the loop segment 500 via the first end 504 and exits the loop segment 500 via the second end 506. In this embodiment, the first end 504 and the second end 506 of the loop segment 500 are not aligned and the entry path for a toy vehicle into loop segment 500 is offset from the exit path for a toy vehicle out from loop segment 500. Loop segment 500 includes a base 508 to which one or more track pieces 514 can be coupled. In different embodiments, the loop structure 502 can be formed with one or two or more track pieces 514 coupled end-to-end and to the base 508, depending on the length of the track pieces 514 and the desired size of the loop segment 500. Track pieces 514 can be extruded plastic track sections. The base 508 also includes track connectors 510 and 512 to which additional track sections can be coupled.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5B-5D, the track piece or pieces 514 includes an inner surface 516 and an outer surface 518. Examples of curved inner surfaces for loop track pieces were described above relative to FIGS. 4B and 4C. Referring to FIGS. 5B-5D, each track piece 514 has concave profile with a curved outer surface 518, which is generally convex as viewed from outside the loop, and a curved inner surface 516, which is generally concave as view from inside the loop. The inner surface 516 and the outer surface 518 are both shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 5D. Inner surface 516 extends from side 520 to side 522 and has a curved profile or configuration between sides 520 and 522. In other words, curved inner surface 516 is not flat while traveling from side 520 across surface 516 to side 522.

As discussed above relative to FIG. 4B, a loop vehicle surface having a profile or configuration similar to surface 516 shown in FIG. 5D provides sufficient clearance so that all sizes, lengths and types of toy vehicles have clearance to travel along loop structure 502 without interference between the front of the toy vehicles and the inner surface 516. The curved surface provides greater carp and loop compatibility.

In alternative embodiments, the curved inner surfaces of track pieces shown in FIGS. 4B, 4C, and 5D can be used with any type of loop segment for toy vehicles, including standard loops, offset loops, non-inline loops, etc. While vertically oriented loops and track pieces are illustrated herein, in alternative embodiments, the orientation of a loop segment can be offset from vertical and can be horizontal or at an angle with respect to vertical and horizontal orientations.

Although the disclosed inventions are illustrated and described herein as embodied in one or more specific examples, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the inventions and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.

Moreover, it is to be understood that terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “inner,” “outer” and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points or portions of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration. Further, the term “exemplary” may be used herein to describe an example or illustration. Any embodiment described herein as exemplary is not to be construed as a preferred or advantageous embodiment, but rather as one example or illustration of a possible embodiment of the invention.

Finally, various features from one of the embodiments may be incorporated into another of the embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the following claims. 

1. A loop segment for a toy vehicle track set comprising: a first end and a second end, the first end and second end positioned such that a directional path of entry into the first end forms a straight line that is aligned with a directional path of exit out of the second end; and a vertically-oriented loop structure between the first end and second end, the loop structure positioned at an angular offset from the straight line formed by the first end and second end.
 2. The loop segment of claim 1, wherein the loop structure comprises a single loop.
 3. The loop segment of claim 1, wherein the loop structure comprises two or more loops.
 4. The loop segment of claim 1, wherein the loop structure has a concave inner surface.
 5. The loop segment of claim 1, wherein the first end and second end of the loop segment are curved.
 6. The loop segment of claim 1, further comprising an inclined ramp coupled to the first end, wherein the inclined ramp is collinear with the straight line formed by the first end and second end.
 7. A loop segment for a toy vehicle track set comprising: a helical structure having a first end and a second end, the first end including a straight entry portion and the second end including a straight exit portion; wherein the entry and exit portions of the loop segment collectively define a straight toy vehicle pathway and the helical structure defines a helical pathway angularly offset from the straight toy vehicle pathway.
 8. The loop segment of claim 7, wherein the helical structure includes a concave inner surface.
 9. The loop segment of claim 8, wherein both the entry portion and exit portion include a substantially flat inner surface.
 10. The loop segment of claim 8, further including raised edges along the helical structure, entry portion, and exit portion.
 11. The loop segment of claim 7, further comprising an inclined ramp coupled to the entry portion, wherein the inclined ramp is collinear with the straight toy vehicle pathway.
 12. A toy vehicle track segment comprising: a base; and a track section connected to the base, the track section having a first end defining a first toy vehicle pathway, a second end defining a second toy vehicle pathway, and a connecting track portion between the first end and the second end; wherein the first toy vehicle pathway and the second toy vehicle pathway are collinear and the connecting track portion defines a connecting toy vehicle pathway offset from the collinear first and second toy vehicle pathways.
 13. The track segment of claim 12, wherein the connecting track portion has a concave inner surface.
 14. The loop segment of claim 13, wherein the first end and second end have a substantially flat inner surface.
 15. The track segment of claim 12, further comprising an inclined ramp coupled to the first end, wherein the inclined ramp is collinear with the first and second toy vehicle pathways.
 16. A loop segment for a toy vehicle track set comprising: a base; and one or more track pieces coupled to the base to form a loop structure, each track piece having a curved inner surface along which a toy vehicle can travel.
 17. The loop segment of claim 16, wherein each of the one or more track pieces includes a first side and a second side between which the curved inner surface extends, and the curved inner surface has a concave configuration or profile between the first side and the second side.
 18. The loop segment of claim 16, wherein each of the one or more track pieces has a concave profile.
 19. The loop segment of claim 16, wherein each of the one or more track pieces has a curved outer surface.
 20. The loop segment of claim 16, wherein the one or more track pieces includes a first track piece and a second track piece, each of the first track piece and the second track piece being coupled to the base, and each of the first track piece and the second track piece having a curved inner surface. 